"We met with the doctors, and they’ve concluded that to continue to try and play at this level and any level really, competitive, hard basketball could very possibly do more damage than good," Beilein said. "You all have seen it, I just wish some of you could have seen it when he was 17 years old, and that gave him so much promise."

The promise never materialized. Cronin injured his left hip early in his freshman season last year and had surgery on Jan. 14. After intense rehab, Cronin figured he'd be ready for the start of this season.

He ran the mile in under 6 minutes in the preseason, but Cronin's hip never completely healed.

When he played, he had a noticeable limp. He could barely jump. And earlier this month, Beilein hinted that there were concerns that this would derail the Syracuse, N.Y., native's career, one where he averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds a game this year.

Cronin will focus on academics and, as long as does well in the classroom, Michigan will honor the remainder of his 4-year scholarship, although it would no longer count against the Wolverines' scholarship limits.

"This has been a long process for my family and me, however, after meeting with our doctors I feel it is best for my long term health to focus on my hip rehabilitation and stop playing college basketball,” Cronin said in a statement. "I really appreciated basketball and I will miss it like crazy, but my faith will help me get through this. I continue to have wonderful experiences here at the University of Michigan and I am truly grateful for all the guidance and opportunities given to me.

"I am looking forward to continuing my rehab, having the opportunity to finish my degree and helping this program in any way that I can."

Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.

Comments

jester32b

Wed, Dec 30, 2009 : 8:20 a.m.

Sad news for Cronin, but look at the maturity this young man shows. I applaud his positive outlook and other athletes should look at Cronin as a role model. I think other college athletes could learn a thing or two from Cronin. Good luck in your future endeavors

aareader

Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 10:19 p.m.

Sad to read about the end of Ben's time as a BB player at MIchigan. We wish him well and applaud MIchigan for honoring his scholarship to finish rehabilitation and his education. Go Blue!!

Bear

Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 7:04 p.m.

&gt; Please correct this opening statement. You do not identify what "it" is that is ending his career. shoddy work.

Bonsai

Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 6:12 p.m.

lead: "Michigan redshirt freshman center Ben Cronin will miss the rest of the 2009-10 season, the school announced in a press release Tuesday. It may do more than that. It could end his career." What is "it"? Can we get some editing up in here?